This week, we speak with President Jefferson about the separation of powers: the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers enumerated in our Constitution. Jefferson explains the responsibilities of these separate and independent bodies, and how they can limit excesses in government.
#1373 Separation of Powers
This week, we speak with President Jefferson about the separation of powers: the division of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers enumerated in our Constitution. Jefferson explains the responsibilities of these separate and independent bodies, and how they can limit excesses in government.
"I refused to honor the subpoena but I did voluntarily supply some of the documents."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
"I was, as far as I know, the first president to set that tone: that the president can not be required to testify in civil cases."
— Clay S. Jenkinson portraying Thomas Jefferson
"I don't think, from my point of view, you can think that the Constitution is sacred."
— Clay S. Jenkinson
We discuss Akhil Reed Amar's The Constitution Today, a selection for the Book Club, which contains essays written by Amar over the past two decades. Amar gives us a road map for thinking constitutionally about today’s America.